Solar photovoltaic panel and solar photovoltaic system

ABSTRACT

A solar photovoltaic panel disposed in a matrix for use, wherein the solar photovoltaic panel comprises a plurality of antennas configured to communicate with antennas placed on adjoining solar photovoltaic panels, a receptor configured to receive a search command via the plurality of antennas, a transmitter configured to transmit a search command from the antennas excluding the antenna having received the search command in response to the received search command, and a responder configured to create a response signal including the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel and transmit the response signal from the antenna having received the search command when no response signal to the search command transmitted from the transmitter is received, and when a response signal to the search command transmitted from the transmitter is received, transmit the response signal with the addition of information from the antenna having received the search command.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. national stage application ofPCT/JP2013/050462 filed on Jan. 11, 2013, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a solar photovoltaic panel and solarphotovoltaic system.

BACKGROUND ART

In construction of a solar photovoltaic system, some variance may occurbetween the designed (planned) construction and the actual construction.Therefore, after the construction, the wiring and placement of solarphotovoltaic panels are examined to obtain wiring path information andplacement information. However, the examination task is not easy.

Non Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of facilitating the aboveexamination task. The technique investigates the wiring paths andplacement by applying high frequency signals to the wiring paths andexamining the paths where the signals are detected.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   Non Patent Literature 1: Solar Photovoltaic System Failure Case    File, p 74, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Ltd. (Business & Technology Daily    News).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The technique disclosed in the Non Patent Literature 1 examines thehigh-frequency wave transmission paths within a constructed solarphotovoltaic system. Therefore, rooftop work is required. Furthermore,the worker may have to be on the solar photovoltaic panels depending onthe placement of solar photovoltaic panels. As just mentioned, theexamination method described in the Non Patent Literature 1 is poor inworkability. Furthermore, since the worker collects the data, thecollected data are not so reliable.

The present disclosure is made with the view of the above circumstanceand an objective of the disclosure is to provide a technique making itpossible to easily collect accurate construction information/placementinformation of solar photovoltaic panels.

Solution to Problem

The solar photovoltaic panel according the present disclosure is a solarphotovoltaic panel disposed in a matrix for use, wherein the solarphotovoltaic panel comprises a plurality of antennas configured tocommunicate with antennas placed on adjoining solar photovoltaic panels;reception means for receiving a search command via the plurality ofantennas; transmission means for transmitting a search command from theantennas excluding the antenna having received the search command inresponse to the received search command; and response means for creatinga response signal including the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaicpanel and transmit the response signal from the antenna having receivedthe search command when no response signal to the search commandtransmitted from the transmission means is received, and when a responsesignal to the search command transmitted from the transmission means isreceived, transmit the response signal with the addition of informationincluding the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel from theantenna having received the search command.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The solar photovoltaic panel having the above-described configurationmakes it possible to easily collect information of an individual panel,physical panel placement information, and wiring constructioninformation such as series connection order of solar photovoltaic panelsafter the construction. Furthermore, the system configured toadditionally have means for measuring the power generation states ofindividual panels so as to acquire the information via a short distancecommunication coil and wireless-transfer the information makes itpossible to monitor the power generation operation of the panels alongwith the physical placement information and easily identify a panelfailed in power generation, whereby the tasks regarding theoperation/management of a solar photovoltaic system can be doneefficiently.

Furthermore, information of an individual panel identified by an ID caneasily be retrieved, whereby it is easily possible to improve thetraceability on the distribution channel from the shipping toinstallation of solar photovoltaic panels, detect/manage stolenproducts, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing the configuration of the solarphotovoltaic panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel according toEmbodiment 1 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an exemplary placement of the solarphotovoltaic panels;

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the relationship between the coilpositions and the magnetic flux;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the measuring device;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the procedure to examine the placement ofmultiple solar photovoltaic panels placed in a matrix;

FIG. 7 is an illustration for explaining the proceeding to obtain thesolar photovoltaic panel placement information;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel in Embodiment2 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing the configuration of the solarphotovoltaic panel in Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure to examine the connectionrelationship of multiple series-connected solar photovoltaic panels;

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing an exemplary display screen showingthe connection relationship of multiple series-connected solarphotovoltaic panels;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel ofEmbodiments 3 and 4 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an illustration showing an exemplary display image showingthe operation states of solar photovoltaic panels;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel in ModifiedEmbodiment 3 of Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel in Embodiment5 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the reader device;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the solar photovoltaic panel in Embodiment5 of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing the solar photovoltaic panel at anend of which a step is formed and a coil is placed;

FIG. 19 is an illustration showing a case in which a coil is formed onthe solar photovoltaic panel;

FIG. 20 is an illustration showing the solar photovoltaic panels placedin a checkerboard pattern;

FIG. 21 is an illustration showing the solar photovoltaic panel inanother shape; and

FIG. 22 is an illustration showing the outer frame of the solarphotovoltaic panel and the coil structure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The solar photovoltaic panel according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure is described hereafter with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

The solar photovoltaic panel 9 (9A to 9F) according to the embodiment isarrayed in a matrix for use as shown in FIG. 3. Each solar photovoltaicpanel 9 comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a photovoltaic cell module 1, a +(positive) terminal box 1 a, a + (positive) output connector 1 b, a −(negative) terminal box 1 c, a − (negative) output connector 1 d, acurrent sensor 5, a housing box 7, an upper end coil 8 u, a lower endcoil 8 d, a right end coil 8 r, and a left end coil 8 l.

The photovoltaic cell module 1 comprises, for example, photovoltaiccells using silicon crystal, which is considered to contribute to highlyefficient energy conversion, converting the light energy of sunlight andthe like to electric power and outputting the electric power. Thesilicon-based photovoltaic cell includes those of crystalline silicon,polycrystal silicon, and amorphous silicon types.

The + terminal box 1 a and − terminal box 1 c are connected to the +output terminal and − output terminal of the photovoltaic cell module 1,respectively, as the lead-out ports for generated power output.

The + output connector 1 b and − output connector 1 d are attached tothe tips of the electric wires drawn out from the + terminal box 1 a and− terminal box 1 c, respectively. Furthermore, the + output connector 1b and − output connector 1 d are structured to be connectable to theoutput connectors of the opposite polarities of the adjoining solarphotovoltaic panels 9; for example, one has a male structure and theother has a female structure.

The current sensor 5 is provided on the electric wire between the −terminal box 1 c and − output connector 1 d, measuring and outputting tothe controller 2 described later the power generation current I of thephotovoltaic cell module 1.

The housing box 7 houses devices for controlling the solar photovoltaicpanel 9 such as the controller 2 and power source 3 described hereafter.The housing box 7 is described in detail hereafter with reference toFIG. 2.

The upper end coil 8 u, lower end coil 8 d, right end coil 8 r, and leftend coil 8 l are placed at the upper end, lower end, right end, and leftend of the solar photovoltaic panel 9, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3,after the solar photovoltaic system is constructed, the upper end coil 8u faces the lower end coil 8 d of the solar photovoltaic panel 9adjoining in the upward direction. The lower end coil 8 d faces theupper end coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9 adjoining in thedownward direction. The right end coil 8 r faces the left end coil 8 lof the solar photovoltaic panel 9 adjoining on the right. The left endcoil 8 l faces the right end coil 8 r of the solar photovoltaic panel 9adjoining on the left.

The upper end coil 8 u to left end coil 8 l and coils 8 p and 8 m, whichis described hereafter, are collectively termed the coils 8.

The coils 8 are placed with their magnetic flux orientation in parallelto the main surface of the solar photovoltaic panels 9 (perpendicular tothe end face) as shown in a cross-section of FIG. 4. The magneticresonance (mutual induction) between the facing coils 8 placed onadjoining solar photovoltaic panels 9 allows for signal transfer betweenthe adjoining solar photovoltaic panels 9. The coils 8 can be any coilas long as mutual magnetic coupling between the coils 8 of adjoin solarphotovoltaic panels 9 is obtained. For example, the coils 8 can be anair core coil or cored coil.

The devices housed in the housing box 7 are described hereafter withreference to FIG. 2.

The housing box 7 houses a controller 2, a power source 3, an IDretainer 4, and a temperature sensor 6.

The controller 2 comprises a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, anA/D (analog to digital) converter, and the like and controls theoperation of the solar photovoltaic panel 9. Voltages are applied to theS+ terminal and S− terminal of the controller 2 from the + terminal box1 a and − terminal box 1 c of the photovoltaic cell module 1. Thecontroller 2 measures the voltage between the S+ terminal and S−terminal to measure the power generation voltage V of the photovoltaiccell module 1.

Furthermore, the controller 2 comprises a communicator 2 a. Thecommunicator 2 a supplies signals to the coils 8 so that the coils 8generate and send to the facing coils 8 magnetic signals. Furthermore,when the coils 8 induce a voltage due to the magnetic signals sent fromthe other coils 8, the communicator 2 a detects the voltage and suppliesa detection signal to the CPU.

Furthermore, the controller 2 controls the solar photovoltaic panel 9including protection operation based on the power generation voltage Vof the photovoltaic cell module 1, the power generation current Idetected by the current sensor 5, the temperature T measured by thetemperature sensor 6, and the like.

The power source 3 takes in the electric power generated by thephotovoltaic cell module 1, and creates and supplies to the controller 2an operation voltage Vcc and G (ground).

The ID retainer 4 comprises a setting switch such as a nonvolatilememory and DIP switch and stores ID (identification information) givento the solar photovoltaic panel 9 (the panel ID, hereafter).

The temperature sensor 6 measures and reports to the controller 2 thetemperature T of the photovoltaic cell module 1.

A measuring device 10 used for acquiring construction information(connection information, placement information) of the solarphotovoltaic panels 9 constituting the constructed solar photovoltaicsystem is described hereafter with reference to FIG. 5.

The measuring device 10 comprises, as shown in FIG. 5, a coil 10 a, apower source circuit 10 b, a controller 10 c, and a radio module 10 d.

The coil 10 a is used as a communication medium (antenna) forcommunicating with the controller 2 via the coils 8 of the solarphotovoltaic panels 9.

The power source circuit 10 b takes in electric power from the powersource 3 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9 and supplies operation powerto the controller 10 c and radio module 10 d.

The controller 10 c receives a search command from an operation terminal11 via the radio module 10 d and outputs the search command from thecoil 10 a as a magnetic signal. Furthermore, the controller 10 creceives search results via the coil 10 a and sends the received searchresults to the operation terminal 11 via the radio module 10 d.

The radio module 10 d is in charge of relay function for radiocommunication between the controller 10 c and operation terminal 11.

The operation terminal 11 comprises any operation terminal capable ofshort distance radio communication, for example, a tablet terminal. Theoperation terminal 11 displays on the display 17 various kinds ofinformation sent from the controller 10 c via the radio module 10 d.

The proceeding to examine the placement of solar photovoltaic panels 9while the solar photovoltaic panels 9 are placed in a matrix as shown inFIG. 3 is described hereafter.

In preliminary preparation, the coil 10 a of the measuring device 10 isfaced with any one of those situated on the outer periphery of thematrix among the coils 8 of the solar photovoltaic panels 9 constitutingthe solar photovoltaic system. Furthermore, the power source circuit 10b is connected to the power source 3 to assure the power.

FIG. 7 shows a case. In this configuration, six solar photovoltaicpanels 9A to 9F are placed. Furthermore, the coil 10 a of the measuringdevice 10 is faced with the lower end coil 8 d of the solar photovoltaicpanel 9E.

Subsequently, the worker sends a search command to the measuring device10 from the operation terminal 11 through radio communication.

The controller 10 c of the measuring device 10 receives the searchcommand via the radio module 10 d. The controller 10 c sends a searchcommand to the lower end coil 8 d of the solar photovoltaic panel 9Efrom the coil 10 a.

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E receives the searchcommand from the lower end coil 8 d via the communicator 2 a.

Receiving the search command, the controller 2 starts the placementexamination procedure (panel placement examination procedure) shown inFIG. 6.

The controller 2 determines whether a search command has been receivedwithin a predetermined reference time period (Step S11).

If a search command has been received (Step S11; YES), the processingwill be duplicated; therefore, the controller 2 sends (returns) a searchrejection signal and ends this round of procedure (Step S22).

On the other hand, if no search command has been received within thereference time period (Step S11; NO), the controller 2 selects one ofthe coils excluding the coil 8 having received the search command in apreset order and sends a search command to the coil (Step S12). Anyorder, for example the clockwise or counterclockwise order from the coil8 having received the search command, can be used.

Subsequently, the controller 2 resets the timer and starts measuring thetime (Step S13).

Then, it is determined whether a response signal is received from theadjoining solar photovoltaic panel 9 via the coil 8 to which the searchcommand was sent (Step S14).

If no response signal is received (Step S14; NO), it is determinedwhether a preset response waiting time has elapsed based on the timemeasured by the timer (Step S15).

If the response waiting time has not elapsed (Step S15; NO), thecontroller 2 returns to the Step S14 and waits for reception of aresponse signal.

On the other hand, if a response signal is received in the Step S14(Step S14; YES), it is determined whether the received response signalis a search rejection signal (Step S18).

If the received response signal is a search rejection signal (Step S18;YES), the controller 2 proceeds to Step S20, described hereafter.

On the other hand, if the received response signal is not a searchrejection signal (Step S18; NO), the controller 2 proceeds to Step S19.

In the Step S19, the controller 2 adds the ID of the coil 8 that hasreceived a search command and its own panel ID housed in the ID retainer4 to the received response signal for including the transfer path (StepS17). In other words, the controller 2 creates a new responsesignal=[(the received response signal), ID of the coil 8 that hasreceived the response signal: Panel ID].

On the other hand, if the response waiting time has elapsed in the StepS15 (Step S15; YES), in other words if the response waiting time haselapsed without receiving a response signal since a search command wassent in the Step S12, it is determined whether the number of times of asearch command being sent has reached a predetermined reference number(Step S16).

If the number of times of a search command being sent from the same coil8 has not reached the reference number (Step S16; NO), the controller 2returns to the Step S12 and resends a search command.

On the other hand, if the same coil 8 has sent a search command as manytimes as the reference number (Step S16; YES), a failure to receive aresponse signal has occurred and the controller 2 creates a responsesignal including the ID of the coil 8 to which a search command wassent, its own panel ID stored in the ID retainer 4, and the ID of thecoil 8 that has received a search command. In other words, thecontroller 2 creates a response signal [ID of the search commanddestination coil 8: Panel ID: ID of the search command-receiving coil8].

After the Step S17 or S19, the controller 2 determines whether a searchcommand is sent to all three coils excluding the searchcommand-receiving coil 8 (Step S20). If there is any coil to which nosearch command has been sent (Step S20; NO), the controller 2 returns tothe Step S12, selects a coil 8 to which no search command has been sent,and sends a search command to the selected coil 8.

On the other hand, if a search command has been sent to all coilsexcluding the search command-receiving coil 8 (Step S20; YES), thecontroller 2 sends the response signal created in the Step S17 or S19 tothe search command-receiving coil 8 (Step S21).

Then, the controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E ends thisround of placement examination procedure.

The controllers 2 of the solar photovoltaic panels 9A to 9D and 9F otherthan the solar photovoltaic panel 9E execute the same, above-describedplacement examination procedure when the controller 2 receives a searchcommand from any coil 8.

The controller 10 c of the measuring device 10 receives a responsesignal from the facing coil 8 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E via thecoil 10 a.

The received response signal includes the ID of the coil on the solarphotovoltaic panel 9 that has received no response, the panel ID, andthe ID of the search command-receiving coil 8 and additionallyinformation indicating the transfer path of the response signal.

The controller 10 c analyzes the received response signal to obtainplacement information indicating the placement/array of the solarphotovoltaic panels 9.

The operation of the entire solar photovoltaic system and measuringdevice 10 after each solar photovoltaic panel 9 (the controller 2thereof) executes the above-described placement examination procedurewill be described hereafter based on the case in FIG. 7.

For easier understanding, only the solar photovoltaic panels 9B, 9C, 9E,and 9F among the solar photovoltaic panels 9 (9A to 9F) shown in FIG. 7will be discussed.

First, a search command is sent from the coil 10 a of the measuringdevice 10 to the lower end coil 8 d of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E.

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E receives the searchcommand from the lower end coil 8 d. In response to the received searchcommand, the controller 2 sends a search command to the right end coil 8r and upper end coil 8 u in sequence (Step S11). Here, a search commandis sent also to the left end coil 8 l, which, however, is not discussedhere as mentioned above.

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F receives from theleft end coil 8 l the search command the controller 2 of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9E sent to the right end coil 8 r. In response to thereceived search command, the controller 2 of the solar photovoltaicpanel 9F sends a search command to the lower end coil 8 d, right endcoil 8 r, and upper end coil 8 u in sequence (Step S12).

Similarly, the controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9B receivesfrom the lower end coil 8 d the search command the controller 2 of thesolar photovoltaic panel 9E sent to the upper end coil 8 u. In responseto the received search command, the controller 2 of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9B sends a search command to the right end coil 8 rand upper end coil 8 u in sequence (Step S12).

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C receives the searchcommands sent by the solar photovoltaic panels 9F and 9B from the lowerend coil 8 d and left end coil 8 l. Here, it is assumed that the searchcommand from the lower end coil 8 d is received first. In response tothe search command received from the lower end coil 8 d, the controller2 sends a search command to the right end coil 8 r, upper end coil 8 u,and left end coil 8 l in sequence (Step S12).

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C determines that noresponse signal is received from the right end coil 8 r and upper endcoil 8 u (Step S16; YES). Therefore, the controller 2 creates a responsesignal including [ID=r of the search command destination coil 8: PanelID=C: ID=d of the search command-receiving coil 8]. Similarly, thecontroller 2 creates a response signal including [ID=u of the searchcommand destination coil 8: Panel ID=C: ID=d of the searchcommand-receiving coil 8]. The controller 2 transfers the two createdresponse signals to the upper end coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaicpanel 9F from the lower end coil 8 d.

Furthermore, the controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C returnsa search rejection signal in response to the search command receivedfrom the solar photovoltaic panel 9B (Step S22)

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F determines that noresponse signal is received from the lower end coil 8 d and right endcoil 8 r (Step S16: YES). Therefore, the controller 2 creates a responsesignal including [ID=d of the search command destination coil 8: PanelID=F: ID=1 of the search command-receiving coil 8]. Similarly, thecontroller 2 creates a response signal including [ID=r of the searchcommand destination coil 8: Panel ID=F: ID=1 of the searchcommand-receiving coil 8]. Furthermore, the controller 2 adds the ID=uof the response signal-receiving coil 8 and the ID=F indicating thesolar photovoltaic panel 9 to the response signals received from thesolar photovoltaic panel 9C. The controller 2 transfers the fourresponse signals to the right end coil 8 r of the solar photovoltaicpanel 9E from the left end coil 8 l.

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9B determines that noresponse signal is received from the upper end coil 8 u (Step S16: YES).Therefore, the controller 2 creates a response signal including [ID=u ofthe search command destination coil 8: Panel ID=B: ID=d of the searchcommand-receiving coil 8], and transfers the response signal to theupper end coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E from the lower endcoil 8 d.

Furthermore, the controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9B returnsa search rejection signal in response to the search command from thesolar photovoltaic panel 9C (Step S22).

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E adds the ID=u of theresponse signal-receiving coil 8 and the panel ID=E to the one responsesignal received from the solar photovoltaic panel 9B to create a newresponse signal. Furthermore, the controller 2 adds the ID=r of theresponse signal-receiving coil 8 and the panel ID=E to the four responsesignals received from the solar photovoltaic panel 9F to create four newresponse signals. The controller 2 sends a total of five new responsesignals created to the measuring device 10 via the lower end coil 8 d.

The measuring device 10 receives the above five response signals via thecoil 10 a.

The five response signals are as follows:

-   -   (1) ((u: B: d), u: E)    -   (2) ((d: F: l), r: E)    -   (3) ((r: F: l), r: E)    -   (4) ((r: C: d), u: F, r: E)    -   (5) ((u: C: d), u: F, r: E)

In the above, u presents the ID of the upper end coil 8 u; d, the lowerend coil 8 d; r, the right end coil 8 r; and 1, the left end coil 8 l.Furthermore, A to F present the IDs of the solar photovoltaic panels 9Ato 9F.

The above (1) means that no response to a search command sent to theupper end coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9B is detected, and aresponse signal is sent from the lower end coil 8 d of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9B and received by the upper end coil 8 u of thesolar photovoltaic panel 9E.

The above (2) means that no response to a search command sent to thelower end coil 8 d of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F is detected, and aresponse signal is sent from the left end coil 8 l of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9F and received by the right end coil 8 r of thesolar photovoltaic panel 9E.

The above (3) means that no response to a search command sent to theright end coil 8 r of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F is detected, and aresponse signal is sent from the left end coil 8 l of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9F and received by the right end coil 8 r of thesolar photovoltaic panel 9E.

The above (4) means that no response to a search command sent to theright end coil 8 r of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C is detected, aresponse signal is sent from the lower end coil 8 d of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9C, and the response signal is received by the upperend coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F and the right end coil 8r of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E in sequence.

The above (5) means that no response to a search command sent to theupper end coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C is detected, aresponse signal is sent from the lower end coil 8 d of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9C, and the response signal is received by the upperend coil 8 u of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F and the right end coil 8r of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E in sequence.

It is determined from the above (1) that the solar photovoltaic panel 9Bis situated above the solar photovoltaic panel 9E and there is nothingabove the solar photovoltaic panel 9B.

It is determined from the above (2) that the solar photovoltaic panel 9Fis situated on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E and there isnothing below the solar photovoltaic panel 9F.

It is determined from the above (3) that the solar photovoltaic panel 9Fis situated on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E and there isnothing on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9F.

It is determined from the above (4) that the solar photovoltaic panel 9Fis situated on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E, the solarphotovoltaic panel 9C is situated above the solar photovoltaic panel 9F,and there is nothing on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9C.

It is determined from the above (5) that the solar photovoltaic panel 9Fis situated on the right of the solar photovoltaic panel 9E, the solarphotovoltaic panel 9C is situated above the solar photovoltaic panel 9F,and there is nothing above the solar photovoltaic panel 9C.

The controller 10 c analyzes the response signals as described above andobtains placement information indicating that the solar photovoltaicpanel 9B is placed above the solar photovoltaic panel 9E, the solarphotovoltaic panel 9F is placed on the right of the solar photovoltaicpanel 9E, and the solar photovoltaic panel 9C is placed on the solarphotovoltaic panel 9F.

Furthermore, the controller 10 c creates the placement chart shown inFIG. 3 from the placement information and sends the placementinformation to the operation terminal 11 via the radio module 10 d. Theoperation terminal 11 visually displays the received placementinformation. The worker can easily know the placement of the solarphotovoltaic panels 9 from the display.

In the above explanation, a search command and the like are sent fromthe operation terminal 11 and the acquired information is displayed onthe display 17 of the operation terminal 11. It is possible to conductan operation to issue a search command directly from the measuringdevice 10 and display the acquired information on the measuring device10.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the worker can easilyobtain the placement information of the solar photovoltaic panels 9. Inother words, the construction information indicating the constructionstate of a solar photovoltaic system can easily be obtained.Furthermore, the information acquisition task is automated, whereby theinformation is highly reliable. Moreover, the worker's task issimplified.

Modified Embodiment 1

In the above embodiment, information regarding a search rejection signalis not transferred to the measuring device 10. However, like a responsesignal, it is possible to transfer a search rejection signal to themeasuring device 10 with the addition of information indicating thetransfer path. As a result, it is possible to acquire not only theplacement information of solar photovoltaic panels 9 but alsoinformation indicating the facing relationship between the coils 8.

Embodiment 2

In the above embodiment, a case in which the placement informationindicating the physical placement of solar photovoltaic panels 9 isdescribed. The present disclosure is not restricted thereto. The presentdisclosure is applicable to examination of the connection relationship(wiring path) of solar photovoltaic panels 9.

An embodiment of examining the connection relationship of solarphotovoltaic panels 9 is described hereafter.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the + output connector 1b and − output connector 1 d of a solar photovoltaic panel 9 have a coil8 p and a coil 8 m, respectively. As the + output connector 1 b (or −output connector 1 d) of an adjoining solar photovoltaic panel 9 and the− output connector 1 d (or + output connector 1 b) of an adjoining solarphotovoltaic panel 9 are connected, the adjoining solar photovoltaicpanels 9 are series-connected. Then, of the adjoining solar photovoltaicpanels 9, the coil 8 p provided at the + output connector 1 b and thecoil 8 m provided at the − output connector 1 d face each other.

In this state, the coil 10 a of the measuring device 10 is placed nearthe coil 8 p provided at the + output connector 1 b or the coil 8 mprovided at the − output connector 11 d of an end solar photovoltaicpanel 9 and sends out a search command to examine the connectionrelationship and obtain the connection information (wiring information).

The connection examination procedure will be described hereafter withreference to FIG. 10.

First, the measuring device 10 sends a connection search command (simplya search command, hereafter) to the coil 8 p or 8 m of an end solarphotovoltaic panel 9. The controller 2 of the end solar photovoltaicpanel 9 receives the search command via the coil 8 p or 8 m andcommunicator 2 a.

In the following explanation, for easier understanding, it is assumedthat a search command is sent to the coil 8 p of an end solarphotovoltaic panel 9.

First, the controller 2 sends a search command to the next coil 8 m ofthe solar photovoltaic panel 9 via the communicator 2 a (Step S31).Subsequently, the controller 2 resets the timer and starts measuring thetime (Step S32).

Subsequently, the controller 2 determines whether a response signal fromthe coil 8 m is received (Step S33). If not received (Step S33; NO), itis determined whether a predetermined response waiting time has elapsed(Step S34).

If the response waiting time has not elapsed (Step S34; NO), thecontroller 2 returns to the Step S33 and waits for reception of aresponse signal.

If a response signal is received (Step S33; YES), the controller 2 readsits own panel ID from the ID retainer 4 and adds the ID to the receivedresponse signal (Step S37).

On the other hand, if the response waiting time has elapsed in the StepS34 (Step S34; YES), it is determined whether the number of times of asearch command being sent has reached a predetermined reference number(Step S35). If the number of times of being sent has not reached thereference number, the controller 2 returns to the Step S31.

On the other hand, if a search command has been sent as many times asthe reference number (Step S35; YES), a failure to receive a responsesignal has occurred and the controller 2 creates a response signalincluding its own panel ID (Step S36).

After executing the Step S36 or S37, the controller 2 sends the responsesignal to the measuring device 10 via the coil 8 p that have receivedthe search command (Step S38), and ends this round of connectionexamination procedure.

Receiving a search command sent from the coil 8 m of the solarphotovoltaic panel 9 in the preceding stage via the coil 8 p, thecontrollers 2 of the other solar photovoltaic panels 9 execute the sameconnection examination procedure.

The measuring device 10 receives the response signal from the coil 2 pof the end solar photovoltaic panel 9 and analyzes the response signalto obtain the connection information (wiring information) indicating thenumber and order of connections of solar photovoltaic panels 9. Themeasuring device 10 sends the connection information to the operationterminal 11. The operation terminal 11 creates an image showing theconnection relationship of solar photovoltaic panels 9 based on thereceived connection information and displays the image on the display 17as exemplified in FIG. 11.

With the above configuration, the connection information of solarphotovoltaic panels 9 can easily and reliably be acquired.

Modified Embodiment 2

In Embodiments 1 and 2, the time of acquiring the placement informationand/or connection information is not limited to when the construction ofa solar photovoltaic system is completed. The above information can beacquired at any time. For example, the placement information and/orconnection information can be obtained while the solar photovoltaicsystem is in operation.

Embodiment 3

In the above embodiments, the measuring device 10 collects the placementinformation and/or connection information. The present disclosure is notconfined thereto. The measuring device 10 can collect various kinds ofinformation.

An embodiment will be described hereafter in which various parametersindicating the operation state of each solar photovoltaic panel 9 areadded to the panel ID and the measuring device 10 collects the variousparameters along with the placement information and/or connectioninformation.

In this embodiment, in creating a response signal in the Step S17 ofFIG. 6, the controller 2 acquires an power generation voltage V, a powergeneration current I, and a temperature T, which are physical quantitiesindicating the power generation state of the photovoltaic cell module 1,and creates a response signal comprising [ID of the search commanddestination coil: Panel ID, Power generation voltage V, Power generationcurrent I, Temperature T: ID of the search command-receiving coil].Furthermore, in adding its own panel ID to the received response signalin the Step S19 of FIG. 6, the controller 2 adds [ID of the responsesignal-receiving coil: Panel ID, Power generation voltage V, Powergeneration current I, Temperature T].

Similarly, in creating a response signal in the Step S36 of FIG. 10, thecontroller 2 creates a response signal including [Panel ID, Powergeneration voltage V, Power generation current I, Temperature T].Furthermore, in adding its own panel ID to the received response signalin the Step S37, the controller 2 adds [Panel ID, Power generationvoltage V, Power generation current I, Temperature T].

The measuring device 10 analyzes the response signal and collects theparameters indicating the operation state of each solar photovoltaicpanel 9 such as the power generation voltage V, power generation currentI, and temperature T along with the placement information and/orconnection information.

The measuring device 10 sorts out the collected parameters and, forexample, creates and displays on the display 17 of the operationterminal 11 an image shown in FIG. 13. The worker can acquire theplacement information and/or connection information of solarphotovoltaic panels 9 and obtain the operation state of each solarphotovoltaic panel 9, for example, at the test operation stage after thesolar photovoltaic system is completed.

Moreover, the command to collect the parameters (collection command) canbe separated from a search command. In such a case, upon receiving asearch command, the controller 2 can exclude the ID of the coil 8 from aresponse signal but include the panel ID and measurement parameters in aresponse signal.

Furthermore, it is possible that the controller 2 determines whether thesolar photovoltaic panel 9 is normal/abnormal (failed) based onmeasurement data and includes state information indicating that it isnormal/abnormal in the response signal.

More specifically, when a solar photovoltaic panel 9 is failed, forexample when some cell in the photovoltaic cell module 1 is disconnectedor the power generation performance is deteriorated, the powergeneration voltage V and/or power generation current I becomes lowerthan a reference value. Furthermore, the generated power quantity of thephotovoltaic cell module 1 depends on the amount of sunlight S. Forexample, the power generation current is nearly proportional to theamount of insolation. Furthermore, the power generation performance ofthe photovoltaic cell module 1 changes according to the operationtemperature.

Then, an additional sensor measuring the amount of sunlight S (thesunlight amount sensor, hereafter) 13 is provided on each solarphotovoltaic panel 9 as shown in FIG. 13. Then, when the temperature Tdetected by the temperature sensor 6 falls within a reference range andthe power generation voltage V and power generation current I lower thanthe reference values corresponding to the amount of sunlight S measuredby the sunlight amount sensor 13 are not obtained, the controller 2determines that some failure has occurred.

In such a case, the controller 2 adds state information indicating thefailure to the response signal along with the panel ID.

With the above configuration, the worker can know whether the solarphotovoltaic panels 9 are normal/abnormal on the operation terminal 11.Furthermore, the state information can include the parameters such asthe power generation voltage V, power generation current I, temperatureT, amount of sunlight S, and the like at the time when a failure isdetermined. The measuring device 10 analyzes the response signalreceived from the solar photovoltaic panels 9 and upon detection ofstate information indicating a failure, transfers the ID of the failedpanel and its placement information, connection information, powergeneration voltage V, power generation current I, temperature T, amountof sunlight S, and the like to the operation terminal 11.

The operation terminal 11 adds and displays the above information, forexample, on the screen 17 shown in FIG. 12.

With the above configuration, the user can know whether the solarphotovoltaic panels 9 are normal/abnormal on the operation terminal 11.

Moreover, it is possible to provide a single sunlight amount sensor 13to multiple solar photovoltaic panels 9 and supply data acquired by thesingle sunlight amount sensor 13 to the controllers 2 of the multiplesolar photovoltaic panels 9.

Moreover, it is possible to provide (or connect) the sunlight amountsensor 13 to the measuring device 10 instead of placing on the solarphotovoltaic panels 9, and include in a search command (or collectioncommand) and deliver to the solar photovoltaic panels 9 the amount ofsunlight S measured by the sunlight amount sensor 13. In such a case,the controller 2 of each solar photovoltaic panel 9 obtains the amountof sunlight S from the received search command and uses it fordetermining a failure.

Moreover, it is also possible that the operation terminal 11 sends theamount of sunlight S to the measuring device 10 and the measuring device10 includes in a search command and delivers the supplied amount ofsunlight S.

As described above, according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to measurethe power generation voltage V, power generation current I, temperatureT, and the like of each solar photovoltaic panel 9 and acquire those inassociation with the panel ID. Therefore, the operation and state ofeach solar photovoltaic panel 9 can easily be visualized and provided tothe user. The user can easily identify the position of a failed panel,contributing to efficient inspection/replacement work.

Modified Embodiment 3

In Embodiment 3, the inclination θ is useful as information included inthe panel ID.

In such a case, for including the inclination θ in the panel ID, asshown in FIG. 14, an additional sensor obtaining the inclination (theinclination sensor, hereafter) 13 is provided to the solar photovoltaicpanels 9. In order to increase the power generation efficiency of thesolar power generation, the solar photovoltaic panels 9 are generallyplaced with an inclination of approximately 20 to 25 degrees. Therefore,the inclination sensor 13 determines the vertical placement state. If asolar photovoltaic panel 9 is placed upside down based on thedetermination information, the placement information of the upper endcoil 8 u and lower end coil 8 d is corrected (exchanged) beforeprocessing. As a result, even if a solar photovoltaic panel 9 is placedupside down by mistake, the defective placement can easily beidentified.

It is assumed that the inclination sensor 13 determines that the solarphotovoltaic panel 9B is placed upside down. In such a case, thecontroller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panel 9B creates, for example, aresponse signal [(u: B: d: inverted)]. Here, “inverted” means that theinclination sensor 13 determines that the lower end of a solarphotovoltaic panel 9 is physically situated above the upper end. In sucha case, the controller 10 c of the measuring device 10 corrects theresponse signal to [d: B: u] before processing.

Embodiment 4

In the above Embodiments 1 to 3, the coils 8 are used only as an antennafor magnetic communication. The coils 8 can simultaneously be used forother purposes.

For example, the coils 8 can be used for power supply.

In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, an inverter 12 isconnected to the controller 2 and the AC output thereof is supplied tothe coils 8 u, 8 d, 8 r, and 8 l.

The controller 2 of the solar photovoltaic panels 9 activates theinverter 12, for example, periodically, and supplies the power to thecoils 8 u, 8 d, 8 r, and 8 l intermittently.

On the other hand, a device operating with the power supplied from thecoils 8 comprises a coil causing mutual induction with the coils 8.

For using the device, the user makes the device coil face a coil 8.

As an AC power is supplied to the coil 8, mutual induction with the coil8 induces a voltage in the device coil. The device starts operating withthe induced voltage and exchanges necessary information with thecontroller 2 via the coil.

The controller 2 authenticates the device from the exchanged informationand if the device is rightful, operates the inverter 12 continuously tocontinuously supply the power to the device via the coil 8.

With the above configuration, for example, it is possible to operate adevice by acquiring the power through electromagnetic induction with acoil 8 exposed at an end face of the matrix of installed solarphotovoltaic panels 9. Moreover, communication between the device andcontroller 2 via the coil is available.

Embodiment 5

In the above explanation, cases of collecting information after theconstruction are described.

The present disclosure is not restricted thereto and the panel ID can beread upon factory shipping, at the transportation base stations orinstallation site, or the like. This makes it possible to track theproduct in case of missing on the distribution channel or replacement ofsomething. In such a case, the panel ID can be read by exposing thesolar photovoltaic panel 9 to light.

However, the package has to be opened for exposing a solar photovoltaicpanel 9 to light. In order to eliminate such a problem, it is possiblein some configuration to supply operation power from outside.

An embodiment of the above configuration will be described.

In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, a rectifier 14 is providedin the housing box 7. The rectifier 14 rectifies and supplies to thecontroller 2 the induced electromotive force of the coils 8 as theoperation power.

On the other hand, a reader device 10 comprises an inverter circuit 15 eas shown in FIG. 16.

The operation will be described hereafter using the task of identifyingthe product ID upon factory shipping or upon delivery to theconstruction site by way of example.

The controller 15 c of the reader device 15 converts the electric powerto an AC by the inverter circuit 15 e of the power source 15 b andsupplies the AC to the coil 15 a.

As the coil 15 a of the reader device 15 is placed near any coil 8 of asolar photovoltaic panel 9, an induced electromotive force is generatedin the coil 8. The rectifier 14 rectifies the induced electromotiveforce generated in the coil 8 and supplies the operation power to thecontroller 2.

As a result, the controller 2 starts operating.

The controller 15 c of the reader device 15 sends a search command tothe coil 8 from the coil 15 a in parallel to supply of the AC power tothe coil 15 a.

The controller 2 receives the search command via any coil 8 of a solarphotovoltaic panel 9. In response to the search command, the controller2 executes the above-described placement examination procedure and sendsresponse signals including its own panel ID to the reader device 15.

The controller 15 c receives the panel ID via the coil 15 a and sendsthe panel ID to the display 15 d. The display 15 d displays the receivedpanel ID. The worker views the display of response information includingthe ID on the display 15 d and checks whether the solar photovoltaicpanel 9 is a proper product for the construction.

Moreover, it is possible for the purpose of power saving to normallyapply an AC voltage to the coil 15 a intermittently and apply an ACvoltage to the coil 15 a continuously when magnetic connection betweenthe coil 15 a and any coil 8 of a solar photovoltaic panel 9 isdetected.

With the panel ID being read as described above, noncontact checkup fora proper product or stolen product and distribution management in theprocess of product distribution are available without opening thepackage.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the panel IDs of solarphotovoltaic panels 9 are collected before the construction such as uponfactory shipping or during the transportation of solar photovoltaicpanels 9, and at the construction site. The present disclosure is notconfined thereto. Even after the solar photovoltaic panels 9 areinstalled, it is possible to track the product in case of missing on thedistribution channel or replacement of something by placing the readerdevice 15 over the solar photovoltaic panel 9 and reading the panel ID.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, a configuration in which an alternatingmagnetic field is applied to a coil 8 p provided at the + outputconnector 1 b and a coil 8 m provided at the − output connector 1 d tosupply the operation power to the controller 2 is also available.

In the above embodiments, the coils 8 are placed at the end faces of asolar photovoltaic panel 9. The coils 8 can be placed at any positionsas long as mutual induction (communication) with an adjoining coil 8 isassured.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to form steps at theends of solar photovoltaic panels 9 and place the coils there. In such acase, a step is formed at two facing sides as shown in (a) of FIG. 18and a step is formed at two other sides as shown in (b) of FIG. 18.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, when the photovoltaic cell module 1is produced in a process similar to the semiconductor process ofthin-film photovoltaic cells or the like, it is possible to create acoil pattern in the process of producing the electrodes of thin-filmphotovoltaic cells and use a part of the photovoltaic cell module 1 as acoil surface.

In such a case, the coils are formed in the photovoltaic cell productionprocess, whereby the communication function can be added withoutincreasing the production cost. FIG. 20 is an illustration showing anexemplary configuration of the solar photovoltaic panels 9 of which thecoils are created as described above. In this case, the solarphotovoltaic panels 9 are produced to overlap in a checkerboard patternso that the coil parts overlap with each other after installed. Withthis configuration, the top and bottom coils formed on the panelsurfaces are coupled to each other and enable efficient communication.Furthermore, although the coils are rectangular in FIG. 19, the coilscan be in other shapes such as circular or triangular.

Furthermore, although the panels are rectangular in FIGS. 1 to 20, thepanels can be triangular, hexagonal, or the like as shown in FIG. 21 aslong as their sides can be overlapped.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the coils are used as an antennafor magnetic communication. Any antenna can be used in place of thecoils as long as short distance noncontact communication is available.Optical communication is also usable.

From the viewpoint of protecting the solar photovoltaic panels 9, asshown in FIG. 22, it is desirable to cover a solar photovoltaic panel 9entirely or in part with an outer frame 16. The outer frame 16 isdesirably formed by a metal. However, an ordinary metal shieldsmagnetic. Therefore, the outer frame 16 is made of a non-magneticmaterial such as aluminum so that the magnetic flux generated by thecoil can pass through the outer frame 16. Some resin such as plasticscan be used as long as heat-resistance and strength is assured.

The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatorypurposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specificembodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes maybe made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit andscope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings areto be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Thisdetailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims,along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Photovoltaic cell module-   1 a + (positive) terminal box-   1 b + (positive) output connector-   1 c − (negative) terminal box-   1 d − (negative) output connector-   2 Controller-   2 a Communicator-   3 Power source-   4 ID retainer-   5 Current sensor-   6 Temperature sensor-   7 Housing box-   8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 8 d, 8 e, 8 f, 8 g, 8 p, 8 m, Coil-   8 u Upper end coil-   8 d Lower end coil-   8 r Right end coil-   8 l Left end coil-   9, 9 a, 9 b, 9 c Solar photovoltaic panel-   10 Measuring device-   10 a Coil-   10 b Power source circuit-   10 c Controller-   10 d Radio module-   11 Operation terminal-   12 Inverter-   13 Additional sensor-   14 Rectifier-   15 Reader device-   15 a Coil-   15 b Power source-   15 c Controller-   15 d Display-   15 e Inverter circuit-   16 Outer frame-   17 Display

The invention claimed is:
 1. A solar photovoltaic panel disposed in amatrix for use, wherein the solar photovoltaic panel comprises: aplurality of antennas configured to communicate with antennas placed onadjoining solar photovoltaic panels; and a controller, wherein thecontroller is configured to receive, via each of the plurality ofantennas, a first search command; transmits a second search command fromthe plurality of antennas excluding an antenna having received the firstsearch command, in response to reception of the first search command;determines whether a first response signal to the transmitted secondsearch command is received; when the first response signal to thetransmitted second search command is determined as not received, createsa second response signal including a panel ID of its own solarphotovoltaic panel and transmits the second response signal from theantenna having received the first search command, and when the firstresponse signal to the transmitted second search command is determinedas received, creates the second response signal by the addition ofinformation including the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panelto the first response signal and transmits the second response signalfrom the antenna having received the first search command.
 2. The solarphotovoltaic panel according to claim 1, wherein the solar photovoltaicpanel comprises at least three antennas, when the first response signalto the transmitted second search command is determined as not received,the controller creates the second response signal including the ID ofthe antenna to which the second search command was transmitted and theID of the antenna having received the first search command together withthe panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel and transmits thesecond response signal from the antenna having received the first searchcommand, and when the first response signal to the transmitted secondsearch command is determined as received, adds information including theID of the antenna having received the first response signal togetherwith the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel to the firstresponse signal to create the second response signal and transmits thesecond response signal from the antenna having received the first searchcommand.
 3. The solar photovoltaic panel according to claim 1, whereinthe solar photovoltaic panel comprises two antennas, when the firstresponse signal to the transmitted second search command is determinedas not received, the controller creates the second response signalincluding the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel and transmitsthe second response signal from the antenna having received the firstsearch command, and when the first response signal to the transmittedsecond search command is determined as received, transmits the secondresponse signal with the addition of information including the panel IDof its own solar photovoltaic panel from the antenna having received thefirst search command.
 4. The solar photovoltaic panel according to claim1, wherein the solar photovoltaic panel further comprises a sensor, andwhen the first response signal to the transmitted second search commandis determined as not received, the controller creates the secondresponse signal including measurement data of the sensor together withthe panel ID of its own solar photovoltaic panel and transmits thesecond response signal from the antenna having received the first searchcommand, and when the first response signal to the transmitted secondsearch command is determined as received, creates the second responsesignal by the addition of information including the measurement data ofthe sensor together with the panel ID of its own solar photovoltaicpanel to the first response signal and transmits the second responsesignal from the antenna having received the first search command.
 5. Thesolar photovoltaic panel according to claim 4, wherein the sensorincludes at least one of a sensor measuring a physical quantityindicating the power generation state, an inclination sensor, and asunlight amount sensor.
 6. The solar photovoltaic panel according toclaim 1, wherein the controller operates with the power generated by thesolar photovoltaic panel.
 7. The solar photovoltaic panel according toclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antennas is configured by acoil that is disposed on a side surface of the solar photovoltaic panelto generate a magnetic flux the direction of which is perpendicular tothe side surface.
 8. The solar photovoltaic panel according to claim 7,comprising: a frame formed by a non-magnetic metal.
 9. The solarphotovoltaic panel according to claim 1, wherein each of the pluralityof antennas is configured by a coil that is disposed on a panel surfaceof an end portion of the solar photovoltaic panel to generate a magneticflux the direction of which is perpendicular to the panel surface, andthe solar photovoltaic panel is configured so that the coils overlapwith each other.
 10. The solar photovoltaic panel according to claim 3,wherein each of the plurality of antennas is disposed at output cableconnectors of the solar photovoltaic panel.
 11. The solar photovoltaicpanel according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antennas isconfigured by a coil, further comprising an inverter configured to applyan AC voltage to the coils.
 12. The solar photovoltaic panel accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antennas is configured by acoil, and the induced power generated by the coils is supplied to thecontroller.
 13. A solar photovoltaic system, provided with: the solarphotovoltaic panel according to claim 1 disposed in a matrix, and ameasuring device, wherein the measuring device comprises an antenna anda controller, the controller transmits a search command to the solarphotovoltaic panel via the antenna, receives a response signal from thesolar photovoltaic panel via the antenna, and obtains the placement of aplurality of the solar photovoltaic panels based on the receivedresponse signal.